Ivory Coast Forward Gervihno Speaks on AFCON Omission

Celebrated Ivory Coast forward Gervihno has finally spoken about his omission from Elephants squad that will represent the nation in the 2019 Africa Cup Nations in Egypt.

The 32-year-old winger is not bitter at being snubbed by coach Ibrahim Camara but admits he was shocked by the decision which has surprised many Africa football lovers.

Coach Camara failed to name the deadly attacker in the squad despite being on good form at his Italian side Parma, where he scored an impressive 11 goals and three assists in the recent concluded Serie A season.

“Dear Ivorians, I don’t know how to thank you for all the messages of support and affection I’ve received from my first call up,” he posted on his social media pages.

“Receiving your videos, photos and comments lately warm my heart. All this has helped reduce my disappointment not to be part of the team that will defend our colors at the next AFCON in Egypt.”

The former Arsenal and AS Roma elected to remain diplomatic in his approach despite being one of the most discussed subjects on Twitter in recent weeks.

“As you know so well, wearing our national shirt will always be a pride to me,” he added.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”I will always be ready and available when called upon to represent and defend our great nation Ivory Coast.”[/perfectpullquote]

SC Gagnoa hitman Abdoul Karim Cisse and France-based duo Abdoulaye Bamba and Ismael Diomande are some of the other big-name players who have been overlooked by the experienced coach.

Ivory Coast will fly out to Abu Dhabi for the second phase of their AFCON preparations, which will see them participate in warm-up games against Uganda on 14 June and Ethiopia on 18 June respectively, before Kamara’s charges jet out to Egypt.

Ivory Coast are in Group D alongside South Africa, Morocco and Namibia.